Gaol Employees

[janbooth]

I wonder if anyone can help me. My gg grandfather James LAWRENCE was a warder at Stafford Gaol sometime between 1882 and 1900. In the 1871 & 81 censuses he was employed at Hereford Gaol as a warder and by the 1901 census he was a chief warder at Derby Gaol. I did a Google search for Stafford Gaol and came up with an "Inspectors Report on Stafford Gaol" of 1847/8 and also one for Hereford Gaol listing the employees. Does anyone know if there would be subsequent reports covering the timescale I am interested in and if so where I could access them - would they be at the appropriate Record Office for instance. Many thanks for any help.

Janet.

[Colin Moretti]

Hello Janet

Not a direct answer, I'm afraid, but you might find it helpful to consult Hawkings, D, Criminal Ancestors, a guide to historical criminal records in England and Wales., Sutton, 1992. I don't have a copy myself so can't make any checks but my recollection is that it will give some indication as to the records available (including prison staff) and their location.

You might also find some records of interest at TNA, you can search the catalogue at http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/default.asp A search for "prison officers" gave 417 hits; the PCOM series, for example, looks as if it might have some stuff of interest.

Good luck

Colin

[janbooth]

Thanks very much for the suggestions, Colin. I will see what I can find out.

Janet.